About the park
One of the nations newest national parks, but a national monument since 1932, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve conserves the tallest sand dunes in North America. Most of the sand comes from the San Juan Mountains, around 65 miles west, with larger grains from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which are the backdrop to the park. Wind and water brought these sediments to the valley into what used to be a large lake. As the lake reduced, prevailing winds from the southwest and storm winds from the east whipped the sand into the dunes seen today.
Reaching around the eastern perimeter of the dunes is the Medano Creek which must be crossed in order to access the dunes themselves. The creek recycles sand and provides water to the dunes and preserve, supporting the ecosystem that survives at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Hiking into the preserve, via the Mosca Pass Trail or along Sand Creek towards the Sand Creek Lakes area, allows you to see different creatures in a cool, more alpine habitat. These hikes offer a good alternative in summer to hiking the sand dunes, where temperature of the sand is too hot for bare feet and the lack of water and shade dangerous.
One of the most popular activities is sandboarding, with boards available to hire just outside the park and in nearby Alamosa. While taking some practice, the soft sand provides a forgiving terrain, and sandsledding boards are also available. Visitors with 4x4 vehicles are also able to take on the Medano Pass, criss-crossing the Medano Creek before gaining elevation up the mountains.
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Can't miss
Conquer the Dunes
The dunes create an other-worldly atmosphere, along with great views of the park and also the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The tallest dune in the park at 755ft is Star Dune, but a less isolated and perhaps more realistic challenge is hiking High Dune (699ft). Regardless of which of the hundreds of dunes you reach, the sunrises and sunsets are often beautiful.
Try your hand at Sandboarding
A unique activity offered in very few places in America, what is essentially a snowboard for sand can be rented just outside the park or in nearby Alamosa. Sandsleds are also available, and offer equal fun as you speed down whatever dune you please. Just pace yourself walking back up...after the 10th time you'll definitely be feeling it!
Search for the Milky Way
Grab your head torch to safely navigate the Medano Creek (and prepare for the crispness of the water), then settle down on a dune in this International Dark Sky certified park. The dry air, low light pollution and high elevation creates excellent conditions to spot the Milky Way, which is highest and clearest in the late evening sky during late summer and fall.
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping to prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Montville Nature Trail
Mosca Pass Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 0.5 miles
Approximate duration: 30 mins
Maximum elevation: 9520 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 45 ft
A short hike away from the dunes and into the woodland which offers a nice shady respite from the hot sun during the summer months. The trail is gentle and has only a few steps, so is accessible for the majority.
A small river along with wildflowers are the main attraction on this short hike, as well as views of the dunes in front of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
For those that wish to hike further, the Mosca Pass continues from the Montville Nature Trail, ascending to provide further views of the sand dunes.
Moderate
High Dune
Main Parking Lot
Length (roundtrip): 2.5 miles
Approximate duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 8671 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 780 ft
One of the main hikes in the park, this deceptively tricky hike takes you up to the summit of one of the tallest dunes in the United States. While not the tallest in the park, from the parking lot it appears to be the largest.
Cross Medano creek and head towards the dune, following dune ridge lines rather than a designated trail. A very cool hike, but bear in mind the extra difficulty in hiking on sand! Bring plenty of water, and avoid the hike during the afternoon where the sun is strong and sand temperatures can reach 150F.
Demanding
Mosca Pass
Mosca Pass Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 6.8 miles
Approximate duration: 5-7 hours
Maximum elevation: 9715 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 1400 ft
Hikes are relatively limited in Great Sand Dunes NP, and walking on the sand can be very exhausting. The Mosca Pass offers something slightly different, hiking up beyond the Montville Nature Trail to the east of the dunes, through woodland.
At different points of the trail the trees open up and you can see great views of the dunes. Rigid rock formations also provide a great contrast to the woodlands and the dunes. However, there is no great view or climax at the top of the hike, so feel free to turn around after you feel you've explored enough of this side of the park!
Where to stay
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When to visit
We recommend:
May thru September - for the warmest conditions to enjoy the sunrises & sunsets, and to take on a spot of sandboarding too!
Itineraries
